Gareth Bale was an unused substitute again as his Real Madrid side were involved in their UEFA Champions League thriller against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
While the 4-3 goalfest was playing out, Wales skipper Bale remained in a familiar position in recent years - on the bench. Bale's relationship with Real supporters and the Spanish media in particular has been strained for some time now. A perceived reluctance to engage with the language and culture has seen the 32-year-old widely and at times unfairly criticised, with his huge contract and injury record used as a stick to frequently beat him with.
Relations reached a new nadir during the last international break, with a Spanish columnist labelling Bale "a parasite", which in turn prompted the former Tottenham man to hit back with a stinging response on his social media channel, condemning the criticism. Supporters have in recent times have also booed him when on the field at the Bernabeu.
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However, we took the opportunity to speak to Los Blancos fans ourselves as they were out in force prior to the match in Manchester to hear what they really think of Bale.
And they were varied in their responses. Some fans were very positive about the Welshman, acknowledging his accomplishments and achievements during his time at the La Liga leaders.
“I’m forever thankful to Gareth Bale, one of my favourite players ever, for the goal he scored in the Copa Del Rey final,” said Tomas Castro, 28, in reference to the amazing effort he notched up against Barcelona in 2014.
“He doesn’t play regularly, but I think he is a class player for Wales. He has done so much as well there, almost in the World Cup."
Ashi Rez, 37, added: “He is part of the Champions League for Real Madrid, he was great. Gareth Bale is the best. I heard he is leaving, but I’m not happy with it.”
Others were quick to point out Bale’s heavy commitment to Wales rather than club loyalty, which has frequently been a bone of contention since the infamous 'Wales, Golf, Madrid' flag went vital a few years ago.
Asked whether Bale was committed to Wales primarily, Gustavo Quintana Cabre, aged 21, replied: “Definitely, yeah. He’s not committed to Madrid. He has done absolutely nothing in the last three years. He doesn’t deserve being in the team anymore.”
Semir Al Zlitni, 28, was more sympathetic with the Wales captain. He said: “He’s doing all right with his national team but it’s a tough time for him at Madrid but we all appreciate his work and all of what he’s done for Madrid.”
After previous headlines of the Madrid faithful not being behind Bale, some in Manchester were keen to dispel this. Amr Mousleh, 28, said: “We are Real Madrid. We support all the players.”
Regardless of his current injury niggles and the huge likelihood that he will leave the Spanish capital this summer when his contract elapses, one fan hoped that Bale could have a final say in this year’s Champions League. When asked if Bale could help in Madrid’s quest for a record 14th Champions League, Victoria Garcia, 42, said: “I hope so. I hope he could play some minutes today or in the second leg or in the final if we get to Paris.”
Others were keen to point out the Welshman’s strengths ahead of the semi-final tie. “He’s a great player. He’s fast and he’s good on the ball. His finishing is also all right,” said Konstantin Katona, 14.
Bale did not feature in the first leg of the semi-final against Pep Guardiola's men last night but remains an option for the second leg. This match, to be played at the Bernabeu, will kick-off at 8pm on Wednesday, May 4. Bale's final chapter in Madrid could yet still be written.
And, judging by some of the fans we spoke to, some of them are hoping he can yet shine in the white of the world's biggest football club.
